Hey Irishrider62, I just finished redoing my entire dash pad
1. If you are doing a new dash pad, yes the entire dash needs to come out. Take plenty of pictures.
2. Check your wiring, the 1962-1963
shop manual does not give you the full details on how it comes out. Just a few bolts holding it in but the wiring needs to be traced and labeled.
3. Take your time because as you work your way through it there are
parts that can not be found and are hard to replace.
4. If you think a
part may need to be refinished or replaced , do it because I can tell you doing it later is not an option.
5. I am doing the finishing touches on my new radio and switch replacement. I upgraded my A/C while I had the dash out. It all depends on how far you are thinking of how much you want to do under there. It’s an older car and things have to be looked at and upgraded.
It has taken me about a month to do mine but it really came out great. Good luck
